Displaying items by tag: La Surveillante

6th October 2022

Blackwater Divers Photograph Shipwreck in Bantry Bay That Lay Undiscovered for Nearly 200 Years

A diving team based in Fermoy have captured up-close images of a shipwreck that lay undiscovered in Bantry Bay for nearly 200 years.

The French naval frigate La Surveillante was deliberately scuttled by its captain in 1796 during the failed landing that proceeded the 1798 Irish rebellion against British rule.

It was not seen again until 1979 during clean-up operations that followed the Whiddy Island tanker disaster.

Blackwater Sub Aqua Club member Timmy Carey told The Corkman that he and his fellow divers had wanted to visit the wreck of La Surveillante for more than 20 years.

Finbarr Mulchay and Susan Vaughan on the dive expedition to La Surveillante in Bantry Bay | Credit: Timmy Carey

“During the dive we saw numerous cannons, timber pulley blocks from the rigging, its anchors, cooking utensils, the high raised bow and even piles of small musket balls,” he said.

“We also saw the long sheets of copper plating that had been nailed to the outside of the timber hull for protection.”

The Corkman has more on the story HERE.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.